ANGLICARE launches Indigenous program
Music, food and fun were the order of the day at the launch of ANGLICARE’s new Indigenous family program at Mt Druitt.
More than 150 people came from around Mt Druitt and as far as Bourke to celebrate the rich cultural history and the wealth of knowledge in the Mt Druitt Indigenous community.
After the welcome to country and the smoking ceremony, children and elders alike strutted their stuff in a red carpet fashion show. There were also performances from the Indigenous country music band The Black Creek Band, didgeridoo artist Kerry McKenzie and young Indigenous dancers from Shalvey public school.
Carolyn Adams, organiser of the event and manager of Family Services in Mt Druitt, says “The day was designed to be one that showcased the history and culture of the indigenous community in the local area.
“I also hope people also took the opportunity to see how ANGLICARE could support them through our programs.”
Speaking on the importance of strong family relationships was the new program’s support worker Julie Knight.
“Our aim is to build the resilience and capacity of people through their families. Every family has their strengths and weaknesses and our role is to acknowledge the positives and offer ways in which the weaknesses can be overcome,” said Julie.
Highlighting the need to re-establish and strengthen traditional cultural relationships within the Indigenous family structure, Julie says the role of grandmothers in particular should not be overlooked.
“We have a very strong eldership in the Indigenous community and in the past it was the grandparents who looked after the children while their parents worked. We hope to support families with young children in crisis by developing strong and sustainable links with their extended families and with their community.”
The family support program that was launched last week is for Indigenous families with children under the age of five and includes intensive support for pregnant women.
